Weak-side linebackerMontavious Atkinson, junior, 30 tackles with 4.5 for loss in 12 gamesCameron Toney, senior, two tackles in six gamesChandler Wooten, freshmanJosh Shockley, junior, played in 13 games

Outlook: The core of Auburn's defense in 2017 might be its linebacking corps.

With starters Tre' Williams and Deshaun Davis as well as key contributors in Darrell Williams and Montravious Atkinson all back, what was a position with great uncertainty last off-season is now one of strength.

What Auburn does need to focus on at linebacker in the spring is developing quality depth, particularly as Tre' Williams is set to leave after the upcoming season.

K.J. Britt and Chandler Wooten both being early enrollees will help to that end. One or both should get a look at the spot behind Atkinson, who was one of the pleasant surprises of the entire defense in 2016.

Spring won't be a good litmus test of major schematic changes necessarily, as any new blitz packages won't be seen publicly, but the Auburn linebacker corps has not been terribly productive as pass rusher in recent seasons.

With the Tigers having to make up for the loss of Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams on the defensive line, it's not unreasonable to think linebackers could be called upon to help make up the difference.

From a leadership standpoint alone, Tre' Williams and Davis are the leading candidates to take over as defensive captains.